With new garbage receptacles in (nearly) every household, City residents now have carte blanche regarding their former waste bins: kick them to the curb or give them a new role.

The Office of Solid Waste researched a few ways residents can repurpose those old garbage receptacles:

- Make it into a rain barrel to collect rainwater for watering your house plants or landscaping. The transformation requires just a few accessories from the hardware store. This would make a great neighborhood group project, so that everyone can share tools.

- Create a compost bin. Decrease the amount of food waste you send to the landfill by composting uncooked fruits and vegetables with grass clippings, dried leaves and shredded paper. With a little regular maintenance, you'll have a rich addition for your garden soil. These instructions from MAKE Magazine are also helpful.

- Use the can to corral your collection of rakes, shovels and other yard-work implements that may currently be tangled in various piles in your garage or shed.

If, however, you’re ready to ditch your old can, Waste Connections will pick them up starting this week.